Skip advert
Advertisement

Abarth 695 Tributo 131 Rally special series revealed

Next limited-run Abarth 695 special edition to channel iconic 131 Rally

Abarth has revealed its latest special edition of the 695 called the Tributo 131 Rally. As the name suggests, the hot 500 is inspired by the iconic Abarth 131 Rally that debuted in Group 4 rally in 1976, featuring a selection of unique design elements that build on the 695 Competizione

Advertisement - Article continues below

Key changes are mostly derived from those seen in other special editions, such as the extended wheel arch cladding that in this case is painted in a contrasting gloss black finish. This is paired with the manually adjustable rear wing and new diamond-cut 17-inch wheels. Alongside the standard grey and blue colour options, there’s also a unique two-tone Electronic Blue and black paint option, with more black detailing around the sills and front splitter.

Inside, this similar two-tone black and blue motif is continued, with contrasting blue stitching on the Sabelt bucket seats. Abarth has also wrapped the dash front and instrument binnacle in Alcantara, joining the 695’s usual suite of elements like its part Alcantara and carbonfibre steering wheel and metal pedals. 

Under the skin, the 695 Tributo 131 Rally shares its turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with other 695s, producing 178bhp, with a peak of 184lb ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via five-speed manual transmission (remember those?), and there’s a limited slip differential helping get that power on the road. There is also a new exhaust system, with a new Record Monza Sovrapposto system replacing the previous Monza setup with some interesting stacked exhaust tips. 

In line with the Competizione’s chassis specification, the Tributo 131 Rally features Koni FSD dampers – paired with a McPherson strut front and torsion bar rear suspension – plus some four-piston Brembo calipers gripping 305mm discs up front, and single piston units on 240mm discs at the back. 

A total of 695 units will be built globally, with UK models costing from £32,325, a fairly chunky £5000 more than a standard 695 Competitzione.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The Abt Audi RS3-S is a 478bhp five-cylinder BMW M2 rival
Abt Audi RS3 S
News

The Abt Audi RS3-S is a 478bhp five-cylinder BMW M2 rival

German firm Abt Sportsline has developed a new Audi RS3 tuning package to sit beneath its limited-run RS3-R upgrade
2 May 2024
Honda Civic Type R (FL5) review: the undisputed king of hot hatches
Honda Civic Type R – front
In-depth reviews

Honda Civic Type R (FL5) review: the undisputed king of hot hatches

The FL5 is more exciting, tactile and rewarding than any other current hot hatchback, and one of the best everyday performance cars you can buy
30 Apr 2024
Hyundai i30 N (2018 - 2024) review
Hyundai i30 N 22 – front cornering
In-depth reviews

Hyundai i30 N (2018 - 2024) review

The i30 N sits at the top of a very talented field. With a truly engaging chassis and a punchy powertrain, it's a fantastic thing to drive
25 Apr 2024
Audi S3 Sportback 2024 review – finally a driver’s hot hatch?
2024 Audi S3
Reviews

Audi S3 Sportback 2024 review – finally a driver’s hot hatch?

The S3 disappointed us with lacklustre dynamics at its launch, but chassis tweaks have injected some much-needed engagement in its mid-life update
22 Apr 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Abt Audi RS3-S is a 478bhp five-cylinder BMW M2 rival
Abt Audi RS3 S
News

The Abt Audi RS3-S is a 478bhp five-cylinder BMW M2 rival

German firm Abt Sportsline has developed a new Audi RS3 tuning package to sit beneath its limited-run RS3-R upgrade
2 May 2024
BMW M2 v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – £65k performance machines go head-to-head
BMW M2 v Mercedes-AMG A45 S
Group tests

BMW M2 v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – £65k performance machines go head-to-head

Hyperhatch versus sports coupe, four-wheel drive opposes rear, auto confronts manual. Despite their differences, the AMG A45 S and BMW M2 are still cl…
3 May 2024
Best fast estate cars
Best fast estates header
Best cars

Best fast estate cars

For do-it-all transport, nothing nails the brief like a fast estate. And in 2024 there’s a new leader of the pack – BMW’s M3 Touring
3 May 2024